After Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Shoulder Replacement Discharge:

Discharge from the hospital will be on the second or third day following your Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery... it also depends on how your body has responded to the surgery.

Shoulder Replacement Medications:

A combination of pain medications, anti-inflammatory medicines and oral antibiotics will be given to you.

Shoulder Replacement Wound Care:

The sutures will be removed 2 weeks after the Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery during the first follow-up. If in the mean while your incision swells, drains, becomes red or painful, or if you develop a temperature over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, call Dr. Amyn Rajani immediately.

Before leaving the hospital, your incision will be covered with a dry bandage. Please do not get the incision wet or dirty.

Post Shoulder Replacement Swelling

There may be some swelling and bruising of the hand and arm which is normal and results from the swelling and bruising from your shoulder, which travels down the arm. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this, but it is recommended that you bend and straighten your elbow frequently and make a fist to help keep your circulation flowing.

How long do you wear a sling after Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

Your arm will be in a sling for the first 2 weeks, after which you may use the sling whilst going out in a crowded area for about 6 weeks. When you are getting dressed, it is easiest to put your operated arm through the shirt-sleeve first and then put your sling on. You may use your arm to perform normal daily activities, such as eating, writing or shaving, but you may not lift any heavy items or reach out suddenly until you are given a green signal to go ahead.

Six weeks after Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery, when you regain full shoulder movement, you can probably resume driving.

Shoulder Replacement Rehabilitation:

It is important that you follow the correct rehabilitation regime after your Shoulder Replacement Surgery.

Before leaving the hospital, you will be given shoulder physical therapy exercises to follow. Your shoulder needs to be protected for the next 3 to 6 weeks so that the muscles around the shoulder get adequate time to heal.

Your first appointment with the physiotherapist will be in the second week after you are discharged from the hospital. We expect complete range of movement in your shoulder in about 6 weeks after Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery. After this, shoulder strengthening exercise regime will begin.

What to expect after Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

You will most certainly experience some amount of pain during the recovery period, but it will be all worth it when, after 6 months, your shoulders will give you the signal that you are absolutely ready to resume your favorite activities without any complications. Before that, you can go ahead with your day-to-day activities within two to six weeks of surgery.